Gwo gwo Nwgo crooner, Mike Ejeagha dies at 95

Renowned Igbo highlife icon, Mike Ejeagha, popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” has died at the age of 95.

He passed away on Friday evening at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after battling a prolonged illness, his son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed.

“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” he stated.

Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha was a towering figure in Igbo folklore and traditional highlife music. He was celebrated for his storytelling style and timeless classics such as “Omekagu,” “Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma,” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche.”

His music, marked by philosophical proverbs and cultural wisdom, blended folk narratives with guitar-rich rhythms, offering both entertainment and education rooted in Igbo heritage.

Ejeagha’s cultural significance is underscored by more than 300 of his works archived at the National Archives of Nigeria — a testament to his efforts in preserving the oral traditions and values of the Igbo people.

In recent years, the highlife maestro enjoyed a resurgence in popularity when his 1983 track “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche” went viral through a dance challenge, capturing the attention of a new generation.

Tributes have been pouring in from fans, musicians, and cultural institutions, all hailing Ejeagha’s profound impact on Nigerian music and storytelling.

His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work, which continues to inspire lovers of indigenous music and culture across generations.